Master of Arts in Education

California State University San Marcos

Master of Arts in Education

Master of Arts in Education, Literacy

The MA in Education, focus on Literacy is a fully online degree program that prepares educators to teach literacy in the 21st century classroom. Based on a set of 12 guiding principles, the Literacy program prepares highly effective teachers to meet the needs of monolingual and multilingual students. The guiding principles were derived from theoretical and researched based understandings of the professional organizations in our field, namely the National Council of Teachers of English and the International Reading Association. The MA courses develop an understanding of how to foster critical thinking, deep reading, and effective writing in a variety of genres—all skills required by the Common Core State Standards. Upon completion of the MA, teachers will have the tools to both implement the Common Core State Standards in their classrooms and to support their schools in the transition.

In addition to a Master’s degree, graduates of the program holding a CTC-approved valid teaching credential (or equivalent) may be eligible for recommendation for the California Reading and Literacy Added Authorization and the California Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential.*

*Three years of full time teaching experience is required prior to recommendation for the California Reading and Literacy Added Authorization and the California Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential.

Program at a Glance

Fully online program

Cohort based program

This program is 39 units designed to be completed in 7 semesters (summer included)

After successful completion of the course work, graduates may be recommended for the Reading and Literacy Added Authorization and the Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential.

All program courses are taught by CSUSM faculty who currently teach at the main campus.

California Reading and Literacy Added Authorization

The School of Education offers a Reading and Literacy Added Authorization Program as a focus area within the General Option in the Master’s Program. Students may complete only the Reading and Literacy Added Authorization Program without completing the MA. The purpose of the Reading and Literacy Added Authorization is to prepare teachers to assist other teachers and administrators in the areas of the language arts – reading, writing, listening, speaking – both in creating literacy programs and across the curriculum. Teachers will become knowledgeable about current reading and writing theory, literacy research and pedagogy, literacy development and learning, children’s and adolescent literature, assessment and curriculum development. Candidates must hold a CTC-approved valid basic teaching credential (or equivalent). Three years of full-time teaching experience is required prior to recommendation for the Reading and Literacy Added Authorization.

California Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential

The purpose of the Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential is to prepare teachers to assume classroom, school and district leadership positions in the areas of language arts and curriculum. Candidates will become knowledgeable of current reading and writing theory, research and pedagogy, literacy learning, children and adolescent literature, assessment, and curriculum development. In addition, candidates will learn to assist in the development of assessment instruments and procedures as well as the role and responsibilities associated with leadership in literacy programs. Courses contain information regarding the issues of special populations, multilingual/multicultural, and biliteracy strands, as well as projects that connect academic work to school contexts and address K-12 issues. In addition, research methodology and the utilization of technology as it relates to literacy instruction are infused throughout the courses.

Students may complete the Reading and Literacy Added Authorization Program and Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential without completing the MA. To complete the Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential, students must first complete the Reading and Literacy Added Authorization Program. Candidates must hold a CTC-approved valid basic teaching credential (or equivalent), and have three years of experience (or equivalent).

Student Learning Outcomes

The student learning outcomes for the Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential are defined by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential authorizes the holder to provide the following services as a reading specialist in any grade level K-12, or in classes organized for adults:

Assist and support the classroom teacher in reading instruction and teaching strategies.

Develop and coordinate reading programs at the school, district, or county level.

Admissions Requirements

Admission into the M.A. in Education with a focus on Literacy program requires meeting the general admission requirements for graduate studies at CSUSM and these additional components:

Bachelor's Degree

A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0

Teaching credential or equivalent experience

Statement of Purpose – A typed, double spaced one to two page statement that tells about you and why you wish to pursue a master’s degree in education. Things you might include are: your goals, ideals, experiences, special skills, community service.

Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your work in the field of education (Letter of Recommendation Forms must be included)

Three years of full time teaching experience is required prior to recommendation for the California Reading and Literacy Added Authorization and the California Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential*

Candidates who meet the requirements will be invited for an online interview with a panel of admissions advisors. The interview is to ensure this program is a good match for the participant and vice versa.

*Three years full time teaching experience is not a requirement for the M.A. Education, Focus on Literacy program. This experience is only a requirement for those individuals that wish to be recommended for the California Reading and Literacy Added Authorization and the California Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential.

Prerequisite Courses

The M.A. in Education with the focus on Literacy does not require any specific prerequisite courses. However all applicants must hold a bachelors degree and teaching credential or equivalent experience.

Program Costs

Should you be offered admission into this program, you will be asked to pay a non-refundable $250 "intent to enroll" fee upon acceptance. This fee will be credited towards your first semester's fees.

Program Tuition and Fees (Effective Summer 2013)

Tuition for the M.A. Education Option focus on Literacy degree program is $585.00 per unit plus mandatory Semester Fees.

Semester Fees* include:

Academic Records Fee $12.00

EL Technology Fee $25.00

Additional Fees*

SoE/Extended Learning Program Application Fee (one-time fee) $25.00

CSU Mentor Application Fee (one-time fee paid upon acceptance) $55.00

Textbooks and Additional Materials TBA

*Note: Fees are based on current CSU fee guidelines. CSU program tuition and fees are subject to change based on the CSU Board of Trustees mandates. Please know that the Cal Vet Fee Waiver may not be used by any Extended Learning degree program. Program and tuition fees do not include cost-of-living, books, parking, or additional expenses.